Global law firm expands Liverpool operation following consistent growth

Neil Lacey and Abby Dry (foreground) with colleagues

An international law firm has increased its presence in Liverpool following considerable growth in its business over the past three years.

CMS is moving to larger offices in The Plaza, on Old Hall Street, having had a presence in the city since 2019 with the initial recruitment of partner Abby Dry and seven associates.

The expansion reflects the office’s rapid expansion over the past three years, and will allow for further growth.

The team now comprises 18 people, including two real estate partners, with the promotion of Neil Lacey to the partnership in 2021, and 14 fee-earners and continues its local recruitment drive.

The Liverpool-based team regularly advises local, national and international developer and investor clients on major real estate projects.

The team acts on all sectors of the real estate market including PRS, assisted living, logistics, industrial offices and remains strong in retail. It advised Tristan Capital Partners on its acquisition and reorganisation and financing of seven industrial/logistics properties worth around £150m and acted on the landmark acquisition of Martins Bank Building in the city.

Other high profile clients include NewRiver REIT, Sainsbury’s, AIMCo, PIMCo and Urban Splash.

Abby Dry, CMS real estate partner, said: “Despite the challenges of the last 2-3 years, our offering has grown substantially in Liverpool, and I’m delighted that we are moving into a new permanent home in the city.

“We look forward to continuing to provide world class legal support on many landmark real estate transactions.”

Mark Haywood, CMS real estate partner and head of the North, said: “Our growth in Liverpool has been staggering and reflects the firm’s growth across the wider North of England region. And we expect that to continue.

“This move to a permanent home in Liverpool is testament to the fact that CMS now has one of the largest real estate offerings in Liverpool, and across the entire Northern region, reflecting our market leading position across the UK.”

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